Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged organised labour to broaden its advocacy beyond minimum wage negotiations by demanding the enforcement of existing laws and policies that guarantee affordable housing, healthcare, pensions, and other social welfare benefits for Nigerian workers.

Speaking at a symposium in Abuja held in honour of the late labour activist Dr. Segun Osoba, Falana argued that workers’ welfare extends beyond salary increases. He said labour unions should compel governments at all levels to fully implement social protection programmes that improve workers’ living standards and provide long-term economic security.

Falana specifically called for the implementation of the National Housing Act, noting that workers contribute three per cent of their monthly earnings to the National Housing Fund to facilitate access to affordable homes. He questioned why many contributors have yet to benefit from the scheme despite years of deductions, stressing that labour unions should insist on accountability and effective implementation of the programme.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing housing shortage, stating that millions of Nigerians remain without access to decent accommodation. According to him, affordable housing programmes must be strengthened to ensure workers can benefit from government-backed housing initiatives and improve their quality of life.

Beyond housing, Falana urged labour leaders to advocate for improved health insurance, prompt payment of pensions, better social protection measures, and increased allowances for workers. He maintained that enforcing existing welfare laws would have a greater impact on workers’ well-being than focusing solely on periodic wage increases.

Stakeholders believe Falana’s position reinforces the need for stronger implementation of housing and social welfare policies as part of broader labour reforms. They argue that improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and social security would complement wage improvements and contribute to a higher standard of living for Nigerian workers.

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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Lagos State Government to prioritise the development of the Makoko waterfront for the benefit of residents rather than pursuing demolition exercises.

Call for inclusive development

Falana stressed that instead of displacing residents, the government should adopt a people-centered development approach that integrates the existing community into urban planning.

According to him, Makoko, widely regarded as one of Lagos’ most unique waterfront settlements, holds economic and cultural value that should be preserved and improved.

He argued that transforming the area into a properly planned waterfront community would create jobs, boost tourism, and improve living conditions for thousands of residents.

Concerns over demolitions

The senior advocate criticised ongoing demolition activities in waterfront communities, noting that such actions often leave residents homeless without adequate resettlement plans.

Makoko, a densely populated coastal settlement, has long faced repeated demolition threats, with authorities citing environmental and safety concerns. 

Falana maintained that forced evictions without alternative housing violate fundamental human rights and worsen poverty among vulnerable populations.

He urged the government to comply with legal frameworks and court rulings that protect citizens from unlawful displacement.

Economic potential of Makoko

Highlighting the economic opportunities within the community, Falana said Makoko’s strategic location along the Lagos lagoon makes it ideal for sustainable waterfront development.

He noted that with proper infrastructure, the area could support fishing, tourism, and small-scale enterprises, contributing significantly to Lagos’ economy.

Rather than viewing the settlement as an “eyesore,” he advised authorities to harness its potential through structured urban renewal initiatives.

Need for dialogue and policy reform

Falana called for meaningful engagement between the government and residents, insisting that development policies must be inclusive and transparent.

He emphasised the importance of dialogue, proper planning, and investment in basic amenities such as housing, sanitation, and education.

The legal expert concluded that developing Makoko in a sustainable manner would align with global urban development standards while protecting the rights and livelihoods of its inhabitants.

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